Sten

[IronFist]

Opinions of the Sten.

THe only fact i have is that it is inaccurate from a far.

[DerMann]

Considering that it could be made in one's garage, I find it to be an excellent weapon. However, beside the fact that it was extremely cheap and easy to make it doesn't really have any other astonishing features.

[Topor]

The Stirling SMG was a Sten with money thrown at it.

[IronFist]

Thank you for the info sgt DerMann, i didn't know it was easy to make/produce.

[Man of Stoat]

A friend made a Sten Mk2 (except the barrel) from scratch in 12 hrs in his machine shop. In series production they can be produced astonishingly quickly - that's what they were designed for!

[South African Military]

I actually heard that they were pretty accurate(?). Rate of fire was not as fast as PPSH but not slow (? like mp40?). Pretty unreliable and I think there were a few cases of accidental discharge. Built mainly for its cheapness and production speed, when Britain found itself needing lots of submachine guns. I dont think there was much liking of the gun among troops.

[FluffyBunnyGB]

IIRC they cost about $ 2 to make, which certainly implies rapid and simple production.

There is a Harry Harrison sci fi book called "Rebel In Time" where white supremacist goes back in time to try and alter history by getting the Confederacy to win the ACW.

The wonder weapon he chooses for this is the Sten, precisely because it can be made simply and probably by the technology of the day.

Kind regards

Fluffy

[DerMann]

It didnt' have a very high rate of fire, about 500 RPM if I recall correctly. However, the length and the fact that it fires from an open bolt are reasons that cause it to be inaccurate. Also, the 9mm Parabellum round isn't much accurate over 50 meters, but this is seen with weapons even today.

*Edit*
I don't even know if the Sten has a saftey. If it does, it would be a very simple one that might not have been that effective. Anyone know anything about this?

[Man of Stoat]

It didnt' have a very high rate of fire, about 500 RPM if I recall correctly. However, the length and the fact that it fires from an open bolt are reasons that cause it to be inaccurate. Also, the 9mm Parabellum round isn't much accurate over 50 meters, but this is seen with weapons even today.

*Edit*
I don't even know if the Sten has a saftey. If it does, it would be a very simple one that might not have been that effective. Anyone know anything about this?

It has the same safety as seen on many SMGs of the era - a slot to turn the bolt handle up into. It's supposed to be effective.

The issue of safety with open-bolt SMGs is what happens if the bolt is forward, a magazine is on, and the weapon is knocked or jolted enough to make the bolt move back far enough to pick up a round. This is a problem with every SMG which does not have a means to lock the bolt forwards. Germans with MP38s reportedly used leather thongs attached to the barrel and the cocking handle to prevent it doing this. The MP40 had a lock, as did the later-produced STENs.

[Firefly]

IIRC they cost about $ 2 to make, which certainly implies rapid and simple production.

There is a Harry Harrison sci fi book called "Rebel In Time" where white supremacist goes back in time to try and alter history by getting the Confederacy to win the ACW.

The wonder weapon he chooses for this is the Sten, precisely because it can be made simply and probably by the technology of the day.

Kind regards

Fluffy

This is a great book. The guy sent back to track down this supremist in the deep South of 1860's is Black too! Makes for an interesting read.

[Firefly]

It didnt' have a very high rate of fire, about 500 RPM if I recall correctly. However, the length and the fact that it fires from an open bolt are reasons that cause it to be inaccurate. Also, the 9mm Parabellum round isn't much accurate over 50 meters, but this is seen with weapons even today.

*Edit*
I don't even know if the Sten has a saftey. If it does, it would be a very simple one that might not have been that effective. Anyone know anything about this?

It has the same safety as seen on many SMGs of the era - a slot to turn the bolt handle up into. It's supposed to be effective.

The issue of safety with open-bolt SMGs is what happens if the bolt is forward, a magazine is on, and the weapon is knocked or jolted enough to make the bolt move back far enough to pick up a round. This is a problem with every SMG which does not have a means to lock the bolt forwards. Germans with MP38s reportedly used leather thongs attached to the barrel and the cocking handle to prevent it doing this. The MP40 had a lock, as did the later-produced STENs.

I dont think many liked the STEN, there is an interesting article at the bottom of this link describing a misfire.

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/sten.htm

[Cuts]

I dont think many liked the STEN, there is an interesting article at the bottom of this link describing a misfire.

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/sten.htm

Not a bad article, although anecdotal lines like this:

Many Canadians were wounded or even killed by Sten Guns even before being committed to battle.

when not supported by evidence go far to perpetuating popular myth.

[chase]

It looks like a toy.

Just saying that its not my favorite weapon.

[Gen. Sandworm]

Well I think any British solider would take a Thompson over a Sten anyday. However the Thompson was very expensive for the time. Anyhow I guess you could compare the Sten to the Sherman tank. Not great but should get the job done.

[Firefly]

Interestingly the STEN was never issued in the Italian campaign and the Thomson continued to be used.